About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this episode of In Your Element, co-hosts Daniella Nordin and Brendan Henkel sit down with Lenell Hahn, Director of Admissions at Southeast Missouri State University, to explore the transformative power of direct admissions. Lenell shares the journey from the initial concept to implementation, revealing the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into how direct admissions is simplifying the college application process, increasing accessibility, and driving enrollment success. With practical insights into leveraging technology and data, Lenell offers a masterclass in change management, showing how institutions can innovate and adapt to better serve students. Whether you’re in admissions, marketing, or student success, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with all higher education professionals.
Key Takeaways:
Start Small and Iterate: Southeast Missouri State began their direct admissions journey by targeting a specific student population—dual enrollment students—before expanding to broader groups like transfer students. Starting small allowed them to refine their processes and scale effectively.
Removing Barriers for Students: Direct admissions at Southeast Missouri State removes the need for a traditional application, offering students an automatic pathway to admission based on existing data. This approach simplifies the process and helps reduce students' fear of failure, encouraging more to pursue higher education.
Technology as an Enabler: The use of Element451 and other tools allowed Southeast Missouri State to streamline their admissions process. By importing data and automating offers of admission, the university was able to efficiently manage applications and personalize student communication.
Importance of Campus Visits: Data revealed that students who visited the campus were twice as likely to enroll, highlighting the critical role of in-person engagement in the decision-making process.
Flexibility and Adaptation: The institution’s willingness to adapt—first by developing an in-house direct admissions process and then by expanding through a partnership—demonstrates the importance of flexibility and creativity in overcoming challenges.
Calls to Action:
- Explore Direct Admissions: If your institution hasn't considered direct admissions yet, start a conversation with your team. Evaluate how it could simplify the application process and enhance student engagement. Take the first step by researching potential pilot programs or partnerships.
- Leverage Technology:Are you using the right tools to streamline your admissions process? Look into platforms like Element451 that can help automate and personalize your communications with prospective students. Schedule a demo or consult with your IT team to explore how you can integrate these tools.
- Partner for Success: Don't go it alone! Explore partnerships with organizations like Niche to expand your reach and offer direct admissions to a wider audience. Reach out to potential partners and schedule a meeting to discuss how collaboration can benefit your institution.
- Start Small, Think Big: Don't be afraid to start with a small, manageable pilot program. Identify a specific student population, like dual enrollment students, and begin testing direct admissions strategies. Use the insights from this episode as a guide, and remember, you can always scale up once you've refined the process.
- Stay Informed and Adapt: Keep learning and adapting. Attend conferences, like NACAC, where you can connect with industry leaders and learn about the latest trends in admissions. Be open to new ideas and ready to pivot when necessary to better serve your students.
Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: In Your Element is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders, innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.
Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.
Whether you’re looking to enhance student outcomes, optimize enrollment marketing, or simply stay ahead of the curve, the AI Engage Summit is your gateway to the next level of higher education innovation. Registration is free, save your spot today.
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